RESEARCH DESCRIPTION: The University of Puerto Rico will carry out a seedling census in the 16-ha Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP), located in the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. The LFDP is a member of the Smithsonian Center for Tropical Forest Science network. For this project we are seeking four (6) volunteer interns to help identify and measure seedlings in marked plots in the LFDP. Following training in census protocol and database management, the volunteers will work in the forest in teams, spending long hours in the field (8 am until 4 pm, Monday-Friday, with weekends free), often in wet and muddy conditions and on challenging topography. Volunteers will enter all collected data, using database software. While in Puerto Rico volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of tropical ecology from scientists involved in the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program.

PERIOD: January 14 through May 16, 2019.

STIPEND: $600 per month to cover food and general living expenses.

ACCOMMODATION: Free accommodation at El Verde Field Station in Puerto Rico. Housing is communal using shared resources. The field station is relatively isolated, and transportation is available on a limited basis. The field station has limited access to power since we work with a generator.

TRAVEL: Refund of up to $750 towards a round-trip plane ticket from mainland USA, if not already living in Puerto Rico.

NOTE:We are unable to provide any medical insurance.

REQUIREMENTS: College graduates with background in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field, preferably with field-work experience, knowledge of plant identification, and excellent organizational skills. Tropical experience useful but is not required. We are currently only considering US citizens and permanent US residents for these opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants must fill out the online Application Form (if the link to the left does not work see http://sites.google.com/a/ites.upr.edu/el-verde-field-station/internships/luquillo-forest-dynamics-plot-internship-opportunities/lfdp-internship-application).The following additional materials must also be submitted via email to the LFDP Research Manager, Jamarys Torres-Díaz, at lfdp@ites.upr.edu by November 23:1) A letter of interest indicating why you wish to work in a tropical forest and describing your relevant experience. Include a statement that you understand your application is for a volunteer position;2) Full resume;3) University transcripts (scanned unofficial transcripts are fine);All email attachments must include the name of the applicant as part of the file name. Please include “seedling census” as part of your subject line, as we may be hiring for multiple positions.Please email further inquiries to lfdp@ites.upr.edu.Following phone interviews, we will inform successful applicants in late December, 2018.